Fr. John Crews

On July 1, 1984, Father John Crews was appointed Director of Hanna Boys Center a residential school for at risk boys in Sonoma, California. He continues to serve in that capacity today overseeing all facets of the Center's operation, especially those directly involving Hanna's 119 boys. He has also served as Chaplain in the United States Naval Reserve for more than 25 years and currently holds the rank of Captain.

Father Crews with a group of Hanna boys.

As a "Haven of Hope" for troubled boys and their families, HBC's mission is to provide a home away from home for boys who are underprivileged, troubled and seriously at-risk because of family crisis and who do not seem to fit into a foster home or larger institutional setting. The boys who come to Hanna often come from crisis-filled single-parent homes. In recent years, Hanna has seen an increase in the number of boys who have been abandoned by their parents and are being cared for by extended family members such as, grandparents and elderly aunts and uncles - family members who cannot cope with boys who are emotionally and sometimes, physically out of control.

Hanna is a volunteer program and each boy must have the desire to be there. Father Crews tells each boy who enrolls at Hanna that "The goal from the first time you step in here is to go back home. In a way to go back to a new family that has expanded its horizons."

I entered Hanna Boys Center during the summer of my 13th birthday and stayed until the summer of my 15th birthday upon graduating from the program. I came from a home that was ravaged by drugs, alcohol and physical, verbal ,and emotional abuse. Hanna Boys center became my refuge from the turmoil of home life. Were it not for the center and for the caring support of Father Crews, I wouldn't be the person that I am today. Father Crews taught me about love of self and to believe that I have the potential to achieve anything I set my mind to achieve. He taught me to respect myself and others around me and to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. I would not be the person I am today had it not been for his influence at such a formative time in my life. By taking a chance on me Father Crews gave me a chance at a better more productive life.

Today I'm 33 years old. I'm married, have three children, and I work in the personal coaching and development industry. I strive each day to help others see their own potential and make the necessary changes that are required for them to live the life of their dreams.